Red Lake Falls – Kathryn Nelson, 75, of Red Lake Falls, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls.
Kathryn Irene Nelson was born on October 29, 1947 in Thief River Falls, daughter of Albert and Bernice (Berge) Lafrenz. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1965.
On November 6, 1965 Kathy was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Rick Nelson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Rick then entered the US Army in March of 1966. The couple lived several different places during his service including: San Antonio, TX, St. Louis, MO, Munich, Augsburg, and Nurnberg, Germany, and Copperas Cove, TX.
After Rick’s military service, Kathy and family lived in Rochester for a little over a year. They moved back to Thief River Falls in 1976. She worked in a realty office and law office for a short time. Kathy and Rick owned and operated a music store in the Falls Mall called Sound Level for a few years in the early 1980s. She did the bookkeeping for Rick’s dental laboratory until 2010.
Kathy enjoyed music being an accomplished pianist and violinist. She taught piano lessons for 44 years and served as church organist for many years at Silver Creek Church. Kathy and Rick bowled in a mixed-doubles league for several years. She was a devoted wife and mother cherishing the time spent with family. Watching sports on TV was a part of nearly every day for her later in life.
Kathy is survived by her sons, Kevin (Christine) Nelson and Chris (Amy) Nelson both of Red Lake Falls; granddaughters, Jenna (special friend Tyler) and Joyia Nelson (special friend Parker), Savanna and Shandi Nelson; sister, Ruth Ann (Russell) Lozensky; cousin, Gene Bladow; four step-grandchildren; and 13 step-great-grandchildren.
Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Rick in 2010; and her parents, Albert and Bernice Lafrenz.
Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Silver Creek Lutheran Church near Thief River Falls, with Reverend Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial was held at the Silver Creek Church Cemetery.
Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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